L.A. living has won over the heart of Denis Bouanga, star winger of LAFC in Major League Soccer. These are the places where the native of Le Mans, France, likes to spend time with friends and family when he’s not making fast moves on the pitch.
Less“Le Loulou is the spot for a relaxed Sunday brunch. Being so close to the ocean, the atmosphere is amazing, making it the perfect way to start a chill Sunday.”
“Novikow is my go-to when I want a relaxed meal with friends. It’s a good spot to catch up without the noise and chaos of other restaurants.”
“Here, I can finally be a fan instead of being on the field! I love the atmosphere. The shows are incredible. The cheerleaders bring the energy with their acrobatics and choreography. My kids love it! I absolutely love watching basketball, and when the Lakers score a 3-pointer, it definitely makes the night great!”
“This beach is peaceful. When I want to relax, I know I can come here, my kids will play in the sand, and my wife and I will enjoy a little moment of peace. It’s such a warm and welcoming place. We can easily spend a good half day here to take a break before heading back to the hustle and bustle of the city.”
“Topanga Shopping Center is a place that I really like. If you are into fashion, it’s definitely worth checking out.”
“It’s a very family-friendly place, beautiful and well lit. There’s always a bit of music, and sometimes you can even catch artists doing small performances. You could say it’s quite a festive and welcoming spot. I often come here with my wife or friends. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, I regularly recommend it to my friends.”
“Whenever I feel like getting some fresh air and stretching my legs, I go for a walk down Melrose. That’s where I often stroll on Sundays, checking out the shops and just wandering around. And when I feel like it, I head to my barbershop for a haircut. It’s my go-to place, and it’s really great.”
“I swing by Westfield with my kids. I treat them to a nice snack, and we stroll around the shops. There’s a lot of variety, and it’s super fun. I do a lot of shopping there, and honestly, I’m there quite often.”
“I live close to The Grove, so I go there quite often. Plus, there’s a little French shop [Ladurée LA] where I buy products from home—everything from cakes and jams to sodas. You can find just about anything at The Grove, and there’s even an Apple Store. My daughter loves the little train you can take to tour the mall.”
“A cozy, indoor club that plays fantastic music and has a unique vibe. It’s not one of those massive clubs with multiple stages; you really feel special when you’re here. It’s a great place to party if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.”
“I come here whenever I want to treat myself to some new clothes. Rodeo Drive is nice, of course, but I prefer coming here. I have a friend who works at Louis Vuitton, and she lets me know when there are pieces I might like. I absolutely love their T-shirts, for example. There are so many luxury boutiques here, it feels like being in Paris!”